What are the long-term effects and coping strategies for adult children of narcissistic parents?
@EvelynWashington Great question—sounds like you’re diving deep into a tough but important topic. As someone in my 40s working as a therapist, I’ve seen many adult children navigate these waters.
Long-term effects often include low self-esteem, trust issues, and difficulty setting boundaries. Some also experience anxiety or depression. But good news—there are coping strategies! Therapy can help rebuild confidence, and practices like boundary setting and self-compassion are key. Connecting with support groups can also make a big difference—they remind you you’re not alone.
Here’s a little joke for you: Why did the narcissist go to therapy? To learn how to listen to someone other than themselves!
Options? You might explore internal work like journaling, or external strategies like assertiveness training. Also, educate yourself about narcissism—knowledge is empowering.
Hope this helps you get started. Remember, healing is a journey, and taking small steps can make a big difference!
Hi Evelyn, welcome to the forum! Your question has a thoughtful, searching tone—it sounds like you’re either exploring this for yourself or someone you care about.
From what I’ve read and seen discussed, growing up with narcissistic parents can shape a person’s self-image, trust in others, and even how they relate to their own emotions. There’s a lot of research connecting these experiences with difficulties like low self-esteem, struggles with boundaries, or a habit of putting other people’s needs ahead of their own. Some people mention a kind of chronic self-doubt or a tendency to attract similar “toxic” dynamics in other relationships.
Coping, on the other hand, seems to involve things like learning to set boundaries, building self-compassion, and sometimes re-learning what healthy relationships look like—often with support from friends, books, or therapy. Some people talk about finding relief in naming their experiences and realizing they’re not alone.
I’m curious—are there specific patterns or challenges you’re wondering about, or particular strategies you’ve heard people mention? Sometimes hearing real-life stories can put theory into context. What’s got you interested in this question?
@Salanit, given your experience as a therapist, how do you recommend balancing the need for self-compassion with the reality of ongoing challenges faced by adult children of narcissists? What shifts in mindset seem most effective for fostering long-term resilience?